So, as I think you all were expecting, the draw proposal has passed and DC266 has come to a close! Let me be the first to congratulate Charles of Germany, Brandon of Russia, and Kevin of Turkey on a well-earned share of the victory! I also want to thank all our other players; Aidan of England (who earns special thanks for stepping in as a replacement), Brian of France, and Jyri of Italy earn survivals, while William of Austria records an elimination.

This was a very interesting game for me to watch progress. Germany grew rapidly and at one point I definitely thought a German solo was imminent. However, a strong stop-the-leader coalition formed, and the German threat was repulsed. I was particularly impressed with the EFI triple that formed to slow Germany in the west; all three of these powers were very weak, but they began to play as one and, remarkably, were all able to survive. Russia and Turkey, meanwhile, also benefited from a strong alliance, and I am somewhat surprised that they not only agreed to but organized this draw. I feel they had the most to gain from continuing and that in general there were developments still to come in this game, but of course I was not in on the negotiations and thus don't know the full story. So that's why it is up to all of you to tell it in your EOG's!

Because this is a simple standard game I am not going to require EOG's, but of course I encourage you all to write them; just send them directly to everyone. For those not familiar with the concept, and EOG (end of game statement) is a way for you to share with everyone how the game went for you, what you were thinking/planning, what worked, what didn't, ect. Include as much or as little as you want.

Thanks again to all for a good one,
Matt

Diplomacy games may contain lying, stabbing, or deliberately deceiving communications that may not be suitable for and may pose a hazard to young children, gullible adults, and small farm animals.